Baptism Of Fire

SUMMONING HELL

The town of Avimonte is currently veiled in darkness of the night, but Alessandro Davien is still wide awake. The entire police building is now silent, since almost all of his co-workers already left the place.

He's scanning some files thoroughly. The darkness around him did not faze him a bit, because he's too focused searching for something.

"Found you!" he suddenly shouted, his voice echoing inside the room. He read the papers carefully that he's been looking for almost a decade now. His forehead creased when he stopped on a certain page of that file.

"Baptism Of Fire: The forgotten Sullivan's case."

He detached the stapled papers on the folder and scans through every pages of the document. He knead his throbbing head as he finally realized the connection of the recent events, and an idea enters his mind.

With a strong resolve, he walked towards their chief's office. As expected, the latter is still awake as well.

"Sir, I want to open the Sullivan's case again."

•••••

LAUREN'S POINT OF VIEW

Later that afternoon, the news report of Airen's death spread like wildfire, inflicting fear and confusion on everyone.

"She's your classmate, right?" Arden, one of my workmates in the coffee shop where I'm working, asked as he watches the news playing in the T.V screen.

I nod my head somberly.

He shakes his head. "Who's in their right mind would do such horrible thing? Damn, my stomach is already squirming imagining the things your classmate had been through."

I'm still uncomfortable talking about that incident so I did not bother to answer. I roam my eyes around the silent cafeteria. The students who are inside are either doing some school works using their laptop while sipping their frappe or just simply want to relax.

Only few people know that I'm working here as a part time waitress so that I can have an additional money for my school expenses. I don't want to be completely reliant on my mother, and I'm actually saving some of my salary incase she gets tired of me and drive me out of our house- which is not impossible.

I was not able to work here on the first week of the school because I need to run some important errands. Lei was actually the one who referred this shop to me because the owner is her Aunt. I know she pulled some strings that's why I was able to get in here easily. I'm not complaining tho, much to my advantage.

This vintage style place is an ideal place for students and employees to release stress, with the brilliant lighting and the solemn ambiance. There is also a book corner in the left hand side of the shop where the students can read books.

The wind chimes suddenly make a white noise, indicating that someone just entered the shop. A girl wearing a buggy sweater looks around before abruptly stopping at the counter.

I smiled when she stands in front of me. "Welcome to Caffeine Express, what would you like to order, Ma'am?" I asked with a wide smile.

My forehead creased when she just stares at me with a stone-cold face. Does she know me? But this is just the first time that we met.

I cleared my throat. "Ma'am?"

She suddenly smile. "Oh, I'm sorry, you just look like someone I know. By the way, please give me a cup of Ice cream Affogato and a Mini Cranberry Holiday Quickbread."

I returned my smile and grab a cup. "Alright Ma'am, that would be a total amount of 12.50 $." She handed me her payment. "Enjoy your stay, Ma'am."

I'm stretching my arms as I take off the apron I'm wearing when Arden speaks behind me. My working hours are already done.